Page 32 of The Lady and the Duke

“Thankyou.”

Jenny escorted the Doctor to the door and said good-bye. Shereturned.

“How are you feeling? Anybetter?”

“I believe so, but I would like to take some of this,” she held up the envelope. “Would you prepare a draught for meplease?”

“Of course. And are you hungry? We can eat wheneveryoulike.”

“I don’t feel too much like eating right now, but I suppose Ishould.”

“Let me prepare the draught for you first. Perhaps your appetite will improve if the pain islessened.”

“Thankyou.”

Jenny brought Lydia the medicine then she set a table in the sitting room for luncheon and served. She helped Lydia to the table and they sattoeat.

Jenny looked up at Lydia and smiled. “He seemed takenwithyou.”

“Who?”

“Why, the Doctor, of course. He was grinning like amonkey.”

“I didn’t notice,” Lydia said shyly, as she took a spoonfulofsoup.

“I believe you did,” Jennyteased.

“He was quite handsome, that is true. Is hemarried?”

“Ibelievenot.”

“Are you taken with him?” Lydiaasked.

“He certainly has hischarms.”

“Then you must make your interest known to him,” Lydia said. “Or are your interests otherwiseengaged?”

Jenny demurred. “There is a lad at the bank who has made his intentions known to me. But I cannot, quite honestly, see it coming to anyconclusion.”

“You are far too pretty and accomplished not to have a line of suitors at your door,”Lydiasaid.

“But I also have a mouth, a temper, and an irreverence that sends many men scurrying away.” Lydia laughed. “You must be feeling better. Has the medicinehelped?”

“I do feel better, thank you. And the soup isdelicious.”

“You look tired. Do you want me to help you home?” Jenny asked as shestood.

Lydia sighed. “Yes, I am tired. And if you could help me, I would appreciate that. But I also need to learn to get about on my own. I can’t have you running over to help me every time I needtomove.”

“I feel certain you will mend quickly, but do be careful the next few days. And I will help howeverIcan.”

Lydia laughed. “Do you not think it rather ridiculous, that in order for me to ask for your help I would need to hobble over here onmyown?”

Jenny waggled her head. “Then you will have to develop your lung power and give me a great shout.” She came over and helped Lydia stand. “But for now, let’s get you home and settled. Your aunt will be arriving home in a few hours and she’ll be able to giveyouhelp.”

“Oh, dear. I don’t know what she’ll think about my accident. I don’t imagine she will be at all toopleased.”

“One thing at a time, my dear. Let’s just get you homefornow.”